".....But unless the piece of paper says you own a specific amount of the company, it is the security and the rights associated with it that you own, not the company."

Incorrect. The shares we own represent our share of ownership in the company. We, the shareholders, own the company. Those that have been elected and/or hired to manage and govern the company are paid to do so in the best interests of we, the owners.

Unfortunately for us, those who have been managing and governing the company have done a poor job, yet they have found ways to insulate themselves from the owners and the best interests of the owners, and at the same time continue to collect handsome compensation.

They haven't figured out how to grow a business or not squander tens of millions of dollars, but they have figured out how to game the system to maintain control for as long as possible despite pathetic performance. That tells me a lot about their priorities and integrity, or lack thereof.